Men’s Mental Health Week: Breaking Stigma, Building Support for Men’s Wellbeing

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Every year, Men’s Mental Health Week draws attention to an often-overlooked aspect of wellbeing: the mental health challenges faced by men. In the UK, men are disproportionately affected by mental health issues, yet they are less likely to seek help. This disparity is rooted in societal stereotypes, stigma, and systemic shortcomings, creating significant barriers to support and recovery.

Statistics highlight the seriousness of the issue. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), men are more likely to die by suicide than women, with a rate of approximately 16.9 per 100,000 compared to 4.7 per 100,000 in women in 2021. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among men under 45, accounting for about 75% of all suicides in this age group. Despite experiencing mental health problems, nearly three-quarters of men do not seek help, often due to feelings of shame or fear of appearing weak, reinforced by societal expectations about masculinity.

Traditional stereotypes often portray men as stoic, self-reliant, and emotionally resilient—traits that, while valuable, can also discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking support. This stigma creates a culture where mental health struggles are seen as a weakness, leading many men to suffer in silence. Such societal pressures contribute to feelings of isolation, leading to an increased risk of crises like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

The mental health support system in the UK, although improving, still faces considerable challenges. Long waiting times for NHS services, a lack of tailored programs for men, and limited awareness of available resources mean many men fall through the cracks. Many prefer informal or peer-led support but find access barriers or lack of information prevents them from engaging with these options.

Around the world, different countries are adopting innovative approaches to combat these issues. Australia’s “Man Therapy” campaign uses humorous and relatable content to reduce stigma and encourage men to seek help. Canada’s “Heads Up” initiative promotes awareness through community outreach and online resources tailored for men. Sweden has integrated mental health support within workplaces to reach men in familiar environments, while the United States’ Movember Foundation has raised significant funds and awareness through annual campaigns focusing on men’s health, including mental health.

Addressing men’s mental health requires a multifaceted approach. Promoting open conversations is vital, as normalising discussions about feelings can challenge harmful stereotypes. Developing male-specific resources—such as online platforms, peer support groups, and targeted therapies—can increase engagement. Employers can play a key role by implementing mental health training, flexible work policies, and peer-led support schemes. Education systems should incorporate mental health literacy that questions traditional notions of masculinity, encouraging young men to seek help early. Early intervention and screening are crucial to prevent crises, yet systemic gaps remain, including inadequate funding, lack of specialised services, and cultural barriers that discourage help-seeking.

Advocacy is essential to bring about change. Men, their families, friends, employers, and policymakers must work together to challenge stereotypes, increase awareness, and push for better funding and services. Sharing stories of recovery and resilience can help normalise seeking help, making it more acceptable for men to speak openly about their struggles.

In the UK, Men’s Mental Health Week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting men's mental health. But beyond one week, ongoing efforts are necessary to create a society where men feel safe and supported in seeking help. Mental health is a universal human issue, and everyone has a role to play—whether through advocacy, education, or simply offering a listening ear. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By breaking down stigma, fostering understanding, and improving access to tailored support, we can build a future where men’s mental health is a priority for all.

If you or someone you know needs support, there are resources available globally:

In the UK, contact the NHS Mental Health Helpline at 111 or visit https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/.

In the United States, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a helpline at 1-800-950-6264 or via their website https://www.nami.org.

In Canada, the Canadian Mental Health Association provides support and resources at https://cmha.ca.

In Australia, Lifeline Australia offers crisis support at 13 11 14 or through their website https://www.lifeline.org.au.

In Sweden, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare provides information and support resources at https://www.socialstyrelsen.se.


Certainly! Here are the references and sources that support the information included in the article. Please note that some data points are based on publicly available reports and statistics up to 2021, and I recommend verifying the latest figures from official sources for the most current data.


References and Sources


Office for National Statistics (ONS) – Suicide rates in the UK:

Office for National Statistics. (2022). Suicides in the UK: 2021 registrations. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheuk/2021registrations


NHS Digital – Mental health statistics:

NHS Digital. (2021). Mental Health of Adults in England. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/mental-health-of-adults-in-england


Mental Health Foundation UK – Stigma and help-seeking behaviour:

Mental Health Foundation. (2017). Stigma and discrimination. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/stigma-and-discrimination


The Movember Foundation – Campaigns and global initiatives:

Movember Foundation. (2023). Men’s mental health initiatives. https://www.movember.com/about-us


Australian “Man Therapy” Campaign:

 Beyond Blue. (2017). Man Therapy. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about-us/our-work/men-and-mental-health


Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA):

 CMHA. (2023). Men’s Mental Health. https://cmha.ca/mental-health/men-and-mental-health


Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare:

Socialstyrelsen. (2020). Mental health services in Sweden. https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/en/


Lifeline Australia – Crisis support:

Lifeline Australia. (2023). Crisis Support and Resources. https://www.lifeline.org.au/


National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), USA:

NAMI. (2023). Support and Resources for Mental Health. https://www.nami.org/


World Health Organization (WHO) – Global mental health statistics:

 WHO. (2019). Mental health: strengthening our response. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response


Note: For the most recent and detailed data, always refer directly to the official reports and statistics from these organisations.

Picture from https://tomcoates-cbt.com/tag/male-cbt/




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